Highland Park Residents Prepare For Mosquito Spraying

HIGHLAND PARK (CBSDFW.COM) – Spray trucks taking aim at mosquitoes will be hitting the streets in Highland Park Friday night, just two days after an area West Nile Virus related death.

Former Dallas Assembly president and local businessman Charles Pistor, 81, is the second North Texas West Nile victim of 2012.

Since word of Pistor’s death has spread Highland Park Police Sergeant Lance Koppa said residents have become more concerned and are contacting officials.

“We’ve had a lot of calls on the town side and that was just in reference to what they’re hearing,” Koppa explained. “Since we’ve had the positive samples here in Highland Park there are going to be spray measures here this weekend, beginning tonight.”

There will also be mosquito spraying in the area on Monday.

Koppa said residents should also take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe.

“They need to be mindful and survey their yards to inspect and see if there are any areas that are collecting water, stagnant water, flower pot basins, pet dishes, bird baths. Another place people overlook is gutters where there’s debris collected.”

Human West Nile infections are rare, but health professionals advise that, to protect against mosquito bites and potential infection, North Texans should:

Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET

Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes

Eliminate standing water that collects on your property

Health departments across North Texas are concerned that this year could set a record for West Nile Virus cases and deaths.